Mr. Hardinge listened attentively, and then he left the room, telling Lucy he would be back in a few minutes.  It might have been an awkward situation for most young ladies, thus to be left alone with a prisoner in gaol; but Lucy was so much accustomed to the intimacy that bound us together, I do not think its peculiarities struck her at the moment.  When her father went out of the room, she was in deep thought, nor did she appear to rouse herself from it, until he had been gone some little time.  Lucy was seated, but I had risen to see Mr. Hardinge to the door of the room, and was walking slowly back and forth.  The dear girl arose, came to me, took one of my hands in both her own, and looked anxiously into my face, for some little time, ere she spoke.

“Miles,” she said, “I will say no more of the pearls, no more of my own money, and will prevent all allusion to Rupert’s appearing in your behalf, if you will accept the bail I can provide for you.  I know a gentleman who will accept my word as his surety, who is rich enough to be received, and who is under a deep obligation to you, for I have often heard him say as much.  You may not know how ready he will be to oblige you, but I do; and I now ask you to give me your word; you will not refuse his assistance, even though he should be an utter stranger to you?”

“How is it possible, Lucy, that you can have any knowledge of such a person?”

“Oh! you cannot imagine what a woman of business I am becoming!  You would not refuse me for your bail, were I a man and of age, Miles?”

“Certainly not—­feeling as I do towards you, Lucy, I would sooner receive such a favour from you, than from any human being.  But you are not a man, thank God, nor of age.”

“Then promise me the small favour of accepting this service from the person I shall send to you.  It would break all our hearts to think you were remaining here in gaol, while we are living in luxury.  I will not relinquish your hand, till you give me a promise.”

“That look is sufficient, Lucy; I promise all you can ask.”

So intense had the feelings of the dear girl become, that she burst into tears, the moment her mind was relieved, and covered her face with both hands.  It was but a passing burst of feeling, and a radiant smile soon chased every trace of sorrow from her sweet, sweet countenance.

“Now, Miles, I am certain we shall soon have you out of this horrid place,” she cried; “and before the execution they tell us of, can issue, as they call it, we shall have time to make some proper arrangement for you.  I shall be of age, by that time; and I can at least become your creditor, instead of that odious Mr. Daggett.  You would not hesitate to owe me money, Miles, in preference to him?”

“Dearest Lucy, there is nothing I would not be willing to owe to you, and that in preference to any other living creature, not even excepting your revered and beloved father.”